Aberdeen's feathered friends make themselves at home in Union Terrace Gardens

Council news??>??Press Releases??>??Aberdeen?s feathered friends make themselves at home in Union Terrace Gardens

Aberdeen City Centre will soon be all a flutter thanks to the council's Countryside Ranger service and the Friends of Union Terrace Gardens group.

Nesting boxes are being installed in Union Terrace Gardens as part of National Nestbox Week, which runs until next?Thursday [21 February].

The Friends of Union Terrace Gardens came up with the idea in an effort to help improve biodiversity in the gardens and encourage more birds into the area.

The council's Countryside Rangers service agreed to support the project by providing the materials required to build the nesting boxes.

The Friends group organised a session last weekend to build the nesting boxes, which are being installed in time for the coming bird season.

Countryside Rangers and the council's Tree Squad are on hand to assist with the installation.

Aberdeen City Council Environment Manager Steven Shaw said: "This project, although relatively small in scale, has the potential to make a noticeable impact on the gardens, bringing even more wildlife to this popular city centre spot.

"We were delighted to be able to support the project by providing the materials for the boxes and it is great to see the Friends group taking this proactive approach."

The council's Housing and Environment convener Councillor Neil Cooney added: "This is an excellent project that will enhance this green space in the heart of our city.

"Aberdeen is already home to a diverse wildlife and I'm sure these nesting boxes will add to that, creating an ideal location for any budding birdwatchers."

Jenny Aitcheson of the Friends of Union Terrace Gardens said: "It is great to be supporting National Nestbox Week and working with the council on this fantastic project.

"This will not only provide homes for our feathered friends, it will also vastly improve the biodiversity of Union Terrace Gardens.

"Anyone visiting the gardens over the spring and summer months should keep their eyes peeled for the bird boxes as they might be surprised with what they spot in the trees."

Aberdeen City Council Countryside Officer Ian Talboys added: "The installation of bird boxes in urban areas provides important nesting habitats for a number of bird species that would otherwise find it difficult to find a place to nest.

"This project will contribute to Aberdeen City Council's input into the NE Scotland Urban and Communities Biodiversity Action Plan as well as add to the habitats of the gardens."

Source: http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/CouncilNews/ci_cns/pr_bird_boxes_150213.asp

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